Hwang, Chiachi
Industrial Research Scientist
Office: 303 Barnard Hall
Specialty: Microbiology
E-mail: chiachi.hwang@biofilm.montana.edu
Dr. Chiachi Hwang is an industrial research scientist in the Fields Lab where she uses a variety of
sequencing methodologies including Illumina next-generation sequencing to characterize
microbial communities (e.g., bacteria, archaea, and fungi) from various natural and
industrial environments. She also is experienced in Sanger sequencing and 454 pyrosequencing.
Chiachi uses different reactor systems including CDC, drip-flow, and column reactors that mimic industrial systems in order to study microbial interactions and response under different industrial conditions and treatment processes. Chiachi is also involved with COVID-19 testing and sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Other areas of expertise include product contamination, bio-corrosion, microbes and mining issues, and microbes in heavy-metal contaminated river sediments. She also works with microbiomes of chronic wounds and oral health.
Chiachi earned her BA in botany and microbiology from Ohio Wesleyan and her PhD in microbiology from Miami University in Ohio. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, she also lived in Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, prior to coming to the United States.
